Collection of broadside ballads from England. Broadside (or broadsheet) ballads were one of the most common forms of printed material produced between the 16th and 19th centuries in England, Ireland, and North America. They centered on popular subject matter such as moral advice, current events and politics, satire, comedy, and crime and were sold in large numbers on street corner and at fairs, and pinned to the walls of ale houses and other public places.

Broadside (or broadsheet) ballads were one of the most common forms of printed material produced between the 16th and 19th centuries in England, Ireland, and North America. They are often associated with the ballad, one of the most important forms of traditional music from these countries. Broadside ballads were generally printed on single pieces of paper, often with two ballads on one sheet; these could then be cut in half or folded to make chapbooks. The ballads centered on popular subject matter such as moral advice, current events and politics, satire, comedy, and crime. Most included an illustration of some kind, though in many cases the image had little or nothing to do with the subject of the text. They also often included the suggested name of a known tune that would fit the lyrics. They were sold in large numbers on street corner and at fairs, and pinned to the walls of ale houses and other public places. In London, many broadside ballads were printed by publishers located in the Seven Dials district including the well-known print shop of James Catnatch.

0.21 Linear feet 1 box

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